DCA's summer trainee programme concludes

The almost two-month long summer trainee programme began on July 1, and involved on the job training for participating students, who also underwent a series of training courses in various fields of work at DCA's different departments. The students were given training sessions in many subjects such as Time Management, Effective Suggestions, Leadership, and Business Ethics.

Commenting on the programme, Samya Ketait, General Manager, Training and Career Development at the DCA's Human Resources and Development Directorate, noted that the programme is aimed at equipping UAE national students with the skills necessary in day to day workings in their line of calling.

"The training gives them exposure to a hands-on experience of working in a professional set up and preparing them to for the real opportunities in the market," she explained.

According to Samya, the training also allowed the department and the trainees to learn about each other. "A number of those who attend these training programmes choose to apply or are chosen for employment by the department. It's an opportunity for both the parties," she said.

Samya added that the summer trainee programme is also an effective tool in boosting 'Emiratisation' not only in the public sector but also in private sector companies.

Trainees who attended the programme said they were satisfied with the experience. "I benefited immensely from the programme, particularly in the area of customer service. I am also better organised now, and time management is finally in my grasp," said Maryam Al Dashti, a third year trainee from Zayed University.

For Mohammed Askar, another trainee from the Higher College of Technology in Sharjah, the programme was an opportunity to deal with customers. "I was in the HRD Directorate and my work involved security and safety. The training has given me a new perspective on the significance of rules and their compliance," he said.

Mardiya Eisa, a first time trainee from Zayed University, said following her experience with the DCA as a summer trainee, she is looking forward to an opportunity to working with the department after completion of her studies. "My work at the HR as a summer trainee was most interesting as it involved evaluation of curriculum vitae submitted to the DCA by applicants," she explained.

Of 67 participant trainees, 46 were assigned to various sections of the Protocol and Public Relations Directorate, seven each in HRD and Operations, two in IT department, and one each in Commercial and Internal Audit.

The programme concluded with a ceremony held at the Al Boom Tourist Village, where the trainees were honoured by senior officials from various DCA directorates.